Cultural Influences on the Preoperative Stage
Preoperational is an important stage in cognitive development for children. It typically occurs between the ages 2 and 7. Children learn how to symbolically represent things and events, through language and mental representations. Children also develop a greater ability to use logical thinking and engage in imaginative play. Culture differences may influence the way children perceive and manage this stage. Children from collectivist cultural backgrounds (e.g. Children from collectivist cultures, such as those who value group harmony and interdependence, tend to have greater social understanding than children of individualist culture (e.g. those that value independence and individual achievement) (Kitayama & Park, 2018). Cultural differences in education and parenting style can also impact how children learn cognitive skills at this age. Li and colleagues. 2022). A study that found children who had been exposed to organized and structured early childhood education techniques performed better on logical thinking tests than kids who didn’t. Cont…